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Taling Chan is an old district back when there was Thonburi Province. Now Thonburi is merged into Bangkok. In 1998, part of the district was split into a new Thawi Watthana District. Historically, much of the area was used as orchards and kitchen gardens, many of those remain there today. That makes it known as "Bangkok's Kitchen".[2]

The landscape of Taling Chan about 1,000 years ago is believed to be part of the river delta (Chao Phraya delta). The area was therefore a muddy mangrove forest and there was no evidence of human settlement.[2]

Later on, two areas in Taling Chan (Bang Ramat and Bang Chueak Nang) have been mentioned to in the literature Kamsuan Samut since early Ayutthaya period (not less than 500 years ago). They are therefore regarded as one of Bangkok's oldest zones.[2]

The term Taling Chan, literally means high brae (Taling–brae or bank, Chan–high or steep) according to its topography.

At that time, Taling Chan could be divided into two parts: the west side (now Thawi Watthana) and the east side. The area on the west side was much wider, but there are a lot fewer residents.

Taling Chan has a rectangular area and full of many waterways that cross each other. It is also an agricultural area, therefore making it difficult to access by car. Although today there are many roads passing through the area such as Borommaratchachonnani, Ratchaphruek, Phutthamonthon Sai 1, and Phutthamonthon Sai 4 etc, but the most convenient route is still a water. Taling Chan has both BMTA and affiliated buses service just a few lines. Around the 1940s–50s, Taling Chan was considered to be the area with the most rice production in Thonburi Province. There was no electricity until the year 1972.[2]

Taling Chan Floating Market is on the canalKhlong Chak Phra (คลองชักพระ) Canal in front of the district office. It is open only on weekends from about 08:30 to 16:00. Orchard produce such as fruits, and vegetables, as well as fish are sold from boats. There is a live traditional Thai music performance from 11:00 to 14:00. The idea for the floating market here was initiated by Chamlong Srimuang in 1987 to honour King Bhumibol's 60th birthday. This is a new attraction since floating markets, an old way of life of the Thai people, had vanished entirely from Bangkok for quite a long time.[3][4]

In addition, There are also 4–5 other floating markets in the district, including Wat Champa Floating Market, which is on the way to Khlong Bang Ramat (คลองบางระมาด). Here, locals have a traditional way of life and preserve like the past. Now, there is a homestay in cultural tourism form for tourists.[5][6]